An often overlooked but widespread parasitic disease, found both in Bulgaria and in our neighbouring countries. Among pets it affects dogs, cats and ferrets. Infection happens only through vector carriers — mosquitoes, which inoculate a microscopic larva (microfilaria) into the skin when they bite. The larva enters the bloodstream and after 6–7 months develops into an adult parasite over 20 cm long, settling in the pulmonary arteries and, in heavier infestations, reaching the heart.
The disease is chronic and very often symptom-free for years. The clinical signs depend on the number of adult parasites and the size of the animal.
The diagnosis is made with a rapid blood test.
Prevention is easy and affordable — tablets or an oral solution given once a month during the mosquito season. It is the only way to protect against this disease.
This is a video recorded through a microscope at our clinic, showing a microscopic larva (microfilaria) isolated from a dog’s blood. These larvae are taken up by mosquitoes feeding on an infected dog’s blood, develop inside the mosquito, and are then ready to infect at the next bite.
You can get more information about the disease, its treatment and prevention at the clinic or via City Veterinary Clinic’s free phone consultation line: 0878 455 323.